GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - Many dignitaries and notable names are in town this week to honor the 100th birthday of President Gerald R. Ford.

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum held a birthday tribute dinner Monday night. Former Vice President Dick Cheney, political speech writer Ben Stein, and White House correspondent Bob Schieffer were among the many in attendance.

The celebration continues Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to debut the exhibition honoring President Ford's 100th birthday "Growing up Grand".

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the different phases of President Ford's life and the people and events that shaped his life

The museum will be open free to the public May 7th and cake will be served throughout the day.

President Ford's actual birth date is July 14th. But there will be events taking place the entire year in celebration of the occasion.